Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park

Tennessee · Southeast

EasyView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Forest

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 253 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Wood Duck, Turkey Vulture, and Red-shouldered Hawk among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Wood Duck Turkey Vulture Red-shouldered Hawk Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

5/30/20261215 Misty Isle Dr, Memphis US-TN 35.17304, -90.051591 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

5/30/2026Meeman-Shelby Forest SP--Pioneer Springs Trail1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

5/28/2026Meeman-Shelby Forest SP1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

5/23/2026Shelby Farms Park--Gardner Rd. Gardens1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

5/23/2026Shelby Farms Park--Gardner Rd. Gardens1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

105/30/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/30/2026

Mississippi Kite

35/30/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

15/30/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/30/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/30/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

25/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/30/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

15/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/30/2026

American Crow

25/30/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/30/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/30/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/30/2026

Barn Swallow

55/30/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

More in Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Elevation-diverse Appalachian park with northern breeding species and rich warbler variety.

Amnicola Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Tennessee with 203 recorded species.

Barkley Wildlife Management Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Tennessee with 205 recorded species.

Tennessee Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Tennessee →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park for birding?▼

The best months to visit Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park?▼

Notable species at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park include Wood Duck, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports forest habitats.

How difficult is birding at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park?▼

Birding at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

What amenities are available at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park?▼

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.